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A2 verb #1,800 más común 10 min de lectura

聞こえる

kikoeru
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic concepts of sensory perception in Japanese. While 'kiku' (to listen) is often taught first, 'kikoeru' (to be audible) is essential for describing one's immediate environment. At this stage, the focus is entirely on the literal, physical meaning of the word: sound entering the ears. Learners must grasp the fundamental sentence structure: [Noun] + ga + kikoeru. This is critical because it introduces the concept of intransitive verbs and spontaneous action, which differs significantly from English. In English, we say 'I hear a bird,' using 'I' as the subject and 'bird' as the object. In Japanese, we say 'Tori no koe ga kikoeru' (The bird's voice is audible), making the sound the subject. A1 learners practice this with simple, everyday vocabulary: oto (sound), koe (voice), ongaku (music), ame (rain), and kuruma (car). They learn to form basic affirmative and negative sentences: 'Kikoeru' (I can hear it) and 'Kikoenai' (I cannot hear it). A very common and practical application taught at this level is the phrase used on the telephone or in online classes: 'Kikoemasu ka?' (Can you hear me?). Mastering this single phrase provides immediate, practical utility in real-world communication. The primary goal at A1 is to build a reflex for using the 'ga' particle instead of 'wo' when describing sounds that are naturally perceived, laying the groundwork for more complex sensory descriptions later on.
At the A2 level, the usage of 'kikoeru' expands beyond simple identification of sounds to more descriptive and contextual applications. Learners begin to combine 'kikoeru' with adverbs to describe the quality of the sound. They learn words like 'yoku' (well/clearly), 'hakkiri' (clearly), 'chiisaku' (quietly), and 'ookiku' (loudly). For example, they can now say 'Koe ga yoku kikoemasu' (I can hear your voice clearly) or 'Ongaku ga chiisaku kikoeru' (The music is faintly audible). This level also emphasizes the distinction between 'kikoeru' (spontaneous perception) and 'kikeru' (potential to listen). A2 learners practice scenarios where this difference is crucial. For instance, understanding that 'Koko de wa ongaku ga kikeru' means 'You can listen to music here' (because there is a CD player), whereas 'Ongaku ga kikoeru' means music is currently playing and reaching their ears. Furthermore, learners start using 'kikoeru' to describe spatial relationships, such as 'Tonari no heya kara koe ga kikoeru' (I hear voices from the next room) or 'Tooku kara oto ga kikoeru' (I hear a sound from far away). The focus is on enriching their ability to describe their surroundings in detail, making their Japanese sound much more natural and observant. They also practice the past tense ('kikoeta', 'kikoemasen deshita') to recount events, such as 'Kinoo, hen na oto ga kikoemashita' (I heard a strange sound yesterday).
At the B1 level, learners transition from purely physical descriptions of sound to the metaphorical and cognitive uses of 'kikoeru'. This is a significant leap in expressive capability. They learn the structure '[Noun/Adjective] + ni kikoeru', which translates to 'sounds like [Noun/Adjective]'. This allows them to express subjective impressions and interpretations of what people say. For example, 'Sore wa iiwake ni kikoeru' (That sounds like an excuse) or 'Kare no hanashi wa uso ni kikoeru' (His story sounds like a lie). They also learn to conjugate i-adjectives for this purpose: 'Okashiku kikoeru kamo shiremasen ga...' (It might sound strange, but...). This metaphorical usage is essential for intermediate communication, as it enables learners to state opinions softly and indirectly, a key aspect of Japanese pragmatics. Instead of saying 'You are making an excuse' (which is direct and potentially confrontational), saying 'It sounds like an excuse' softens the blow. B1 learners also encounter 'kikoeru' in more complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses: 'Kikoeru oto' (the sound that can be heard) or 'Kikoenai furi wo suru' (to pretend not to hear). The vocabulary associated with 'kikoeru' also becomes more sophisticated, incorporating words like 'ashioto' (footsteps), 'sairen' (siren), 'nakigoe' (crying voice), and 'ibiki' (snoring). By mastering these B1 concepts, learners can navigate nuanced conversations and express their thoughts with greater cultural appropriateness.
At the B2 level, the use of 'kikoeru' becomes highly nuanced, focusing on subtle social interactions, advanced reading comprehension, and expressing complex emotional or psychological states. Learners at this stage are expected to understand and use 'kikoeru' in contexts where the 'sound' is entirely abstract. For instance, 'Hiniku ni kikoeru' (It sounds sarcastic) or 'Jiman ni kikoeru' (It sounds like bragging). They learn to read between the lines and express how the tone or phrasing of a statement affects its reception. B2 learners also explore idiomatic expressions and advanced collocations. They might encounter phrases like 'Sora-mimi ni kikoeru' (to mishear something/auditory hallucination) or 'Mimi-zawarina oto ga kikoeru' (to hear a grating/unpleasant sound). In reading comprehension, they will frequently see 'kikoeru' used in literature to build atmosphere, such as 'Shijima no naka ni, tokei no hari no oto dake ga kikoeta' (In the silence, only the ticking of the clock was audible). Furthermore, they learn to use 'kikoeru' in formal and business contexts, understanding the appropriate register. For example, in a formal email or meeting, they might use 'Okoe ga tooku kikoeru you desu ga' (Your voice sounds a bit distant [referring to a bad connection]). The B2 level demands a deep understanding of how 'kikoeru' bridges the gap between physical reality and subjective interpretation, allowing for highly sophisticated and culturally attuned communication.
At the C1 level, learners engage with 'kikoeru' in highly abstract, literary, and specialized contexts. The focus shifts to stylistic variation and the psychological weight of the verb. In advanced literature, 'kikoeru' is often used to describe internal monologues or spiritual experiences, such as 'Kokoro no koe ga kikoeru' (hearing the voice of one's heart) or 'Naki-jin no koe ga kikoeru you da' (It's as if I can hear the voice of the deceased). Learners must be able to interpret these poetic and metaphorical uses effortlessly. They also encounter 'kikoeru' in complex grammatical structures, such as passive-causative forms or embedded within long, descriptive clauses. For example, 'Kikoeru ka kikoenai ka no kasukana oto' (a sound so faint it's barely audible). C1 learners are expected to understand the sociolinguistic implications of how 'kikoeru' is used to manage interpersonal harmony (wa). By saying 'Watashi ni wa kou kikoeru' (This is how it sounds to me), a speaker takes ownership of their interpretation, avoiding absolute statements about another person's intent. This level also involves understanding archaic or classical echoes of the word in modern literature. Mastery at C1 means that 'kikoeru' is no longer just a vocabulary word, but a versatile tool for expressing the deepest nuances of human perception, emotion, and social diplomacy in fluent, near-native Japanese.
At the C2 level, mastery of 'kikoeru' implies a native-like intuition for its most obscure, idiomatic, and culturally embedded uses. Learners at this stage can effortlessly navigate classical Japanese literature (Bungo) where the ancestor of 'kikoeru' (kikoyu) was used not only for hearing but also to mean 'to be famous' or 'to be well-known' (e.g., 'Na ni kikoyuru' - famous for its name). While this specific usage is archaic, its echoes remain in certain high-literary contexts or historical dramas (Jidaigeki), and a C2 learner can comprehend these nuances. Furthermore, C2 proficiency involves using 'kikoeru' flawlessly in the most delicate of social negotiations, where the exact phrasing can make or break a business deal or a political discussion. They can employ it in highly complex rhetorical devices, such as irony or litotes. For example, 'Kikoenai koto mo nai' (It's not that I can't hear it / It's not entirely impossible to interpret it that way). They understand the precise acoustic and psychological differences between 'kikoeru', 'mimi ni tsuku' (to catch one's ear negatively), 'mimi wo utsu' (to strike the ear), and 'hibiku' (to resonate), choosing the exact right word for the exact right micro-context. At this ultimate level, 'kikoeru' is wielded with the precision of a poet and the tact of a diplomat, reflecting a profound, comprehensive mastery of the Japanese language and its underlying cultural psychology.
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

聞こえる en 30 segundos

  • Spontaneous hearing without effort.
  • Always uses the particle が (ga).
  • Can mean 'sounds like' metaphorically.
  • Different from 聞ける (can listen).
The Japanese verb 聞こえる (kikoeru) is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates to 'to be audible' or 'to be able to hear.' Unlike the verb 聞く (kiku), which implies an active, volitional effort to listen to something, 聞こえる describes a spontaneous action where sound naturally enters the ear without any conscious effort on the part of the listener. This distinction is crucial for learners of Japanese, as the language strictly differentiates between actions we control and phenomena that happen to us. When you say '音が聞こえる' (oto ga kikoeru), you are stating that a sound is reaching your ears, regardless of whether you are trying to listen to it or not. This concept of spontaneous perception is deeply embedded in Japanese grammar and is reflected in other verbs like 見える (mieru, to be visible). Understanding this difference is the first step to mastering sensory verbs in Japanese. Furthermore, 聞こえる is grammatically an intransitive verb, which means it does not take a direct object marked by the particle を (wo). Instead, the source of the sound is marked by the subject particle が (ga). This is a common stumbling block for English speakers, who are used to saying 'I hear the sound,' where 'the sound' is the direct object. In Japanese, the literal translation of '音が聞こえる' is closer to 'the sound is audible (to me).' This shift in perspective—from the perceiver as the active agent to the perceived object as the subject—is a key characteristic of Japanese syntax.
Spontaneous Perception
Sound entering the ear naturally without effort.

遠くから波の音が 聞こえる.

Beyond literal sounds, 聞こえる is frequently used metaphorically to describe how a statement or situation is interpreted. For example, '言い訳に聞こえる' (iiwake ni kikoeru) means 'it sounds like an excuse.' In this context, the verb shifts from physical auditory perception to cognitive interpretation. This metaphorical usage is extremely common in both spoken and written Japanese, allowing speakers to express subjective impressions softly and indirectly.
Metaphorical Interpretation
How words or situations are perceived cognitively.

彼の言葉は皮肉に 聞こえる.

The potential form of 聞く is 聞ける (kikeru), which means 'can listen' or 'have the opportunity to listen.' It is vital not to confuse 聞こえる with 聞ける. If you say '音楽が聞ける' (ongaku ga kikeru), it means the environment or situation allows you to listen to music (e.g., you have a music player). If you say '音楽が聞こえる' (ongaku ga kikoeru), it means the music is currently playing and reaching your ears.
Contrast with 聞ける
聞こえる is spontaneous; 聞ける is circumstantial potential.

隣の部屋から話し声が 聞こえる.

鳥のさえずりが 聞こえる 朝は気持ちがいい。

私の声が 聞こえる 人は手を挙げてください。

Mastering 聞こえる enriches your ability to describe your environment and your subjective experiences in Japanese, making your communication much more natural and nuanced.
Using 聞こえる correctly requires a solid understanding of Japanese particle usage and sentence structure. As an intransitive verb, 聞こえる describes a state or a spontaneous occurrence rather than an action performed by an agent. Therefore, the entity producing the sound is marked by the subject particle が (ga). The basic sentence pattern is '[Noun] が 聞こえる'. For example, '雨の音が聞こえる' (ame no oto ga kikoeru) means 'the sound of rain is audible' or 'I can hear the sound of rain.' It is grammatically incorrect to use the object particle を (wo) with 聞こえる. Saying '雨の音を聞こえる' is a common mistake among beginners and sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
Basic Syntax
Always use [Noun] + が + 聞こえる.

美しいピアノのメロディーが 聞こえる.

聞こえる can be modified by various adverbs to describe the quality or clarity of the sound. Common adverbs include よく (yoku, well/clearly), はっきり (hakkiri, clearly), かすかに (kasuka ni, faintly), and 全く (mattaku, not at all - used with negative). For instance, '声がよく聞こえる' (koe ga yoku kikoeru) means 'the voice is heard clearly.' In negative sentences, 聞こえる becomes 聞こえない (kikoenai) in the plain form and 聞こえません (kikoemasen) in the polite form. '何も聞こえない' (nani mo kikoenai) means 'I cannot hear anything.'
Adverbial Modification
Use adverbs like よく or はっきり to describe clarity.

電話の電波が悪くて、声がよく 聞こえない.

Another important usage is the metaphorical pattern '[Noun/Adjective] + に + 聞こえる', which translates to 'sounds like [Noun/Adjective]'. This is used to express how a statement is interpreted. For example, '嘘に聞こえる' (uso ni kikoeru) means 'it sounds like a lie.' If you are using an i-adjective, you drop the final 'i' and add 'ku'. For example, 'おかしく聞こえる' (okashiku kikoeru) means 'it sounds strange.' This structure is incredibly useful for expressing opinions diplomatically.
Expressing Impressions
Use に聞こえる for nouns and く聞こえる for i-adjectives.

彼の提案は、少し強引に 聞こえる.

その話は本当のように 聞こえる が、実は嘘だ。

遠くで雷が鳴っているのが 聞こえる.

By mastering these patterns, learners can accurately describe both their physical auditory environment and their subjective interpretations of what people say.
The verb 聞こえる is ubiquitous in daily Japanese life, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from casual conversations to formal business settings, and from literature to digital communication. One of the most common places you will encounter 聞こえる is during phone calls or online meetings. The phrase 'もしもし、聞こえますか？' (Moshimoshi, kikoemasu ka? - Hello, can you hear me?) is the standard way to check audio connections. In the era of Zoom and remote work, phrases like '音声が途切れて聞こえません' (Onsei ga togirete kikoemasen - The audio is cutting out and I can't hear you) have become essential business vocabulary.
Telecommunications
Checking audio connections in calls and meetings.

マイクがミュートになっているようで、声が 聞こえません.

In everyday life, 聞こえる is used to describe the ambient sounds of one's environment. Whether it's the sound of nature ('鳥の声が聞こえる' - birdsong is audible), the noise of the city ('サイレンの音が聞こえる' - a siren is audible), or the activities of neighbors ('上の階から足音が聞こえる' - footsteps are audible from the floor above), this verb is the primary tool for painting an auditory picture of a scene. It is frequently used in storytelling and literature to set the mood or build suspense. For instance, a horror story might feature the line '誰もいないはずの部屋から、笑い声が聞こえた' (A laugh was heard from a room that should have been empty).
Environmental Descriptions
Describing ambient sounds in daily life and literature.

窓を開けると、虫の音が 聞こえる 季節になった。

Furthermore, the metaphorical use of 聞こえる is prevalent in discussions, debates, and interpersonal communication. When someone wants to express how a comment was received, they will use 聞こえる. For example, 'それは自慢に聞こえるよ' (That sounds like bragging) or '言い訳にしか聞こえない' (It sounds like nothing but an excuse). This usage is crucial for navigating the subtleties of Japanese social interactions, where direct confrontation is often avoided, and expressing subjective impressions ('it sounds to me like...') is preferred over objective accusations ('you are doing...').
Interpersonal Communication
Expressing how someone's words are interpreted.

彼の謝罪は、心からのものには 聞こえなかった.

外からお祭りの音楽が 聞こえる.

私の言っていること、ちゃんと 聞こえてる？

From the practicalities of checking a microphone to the poetic appreciation of nature and the delicate nuances of human conversation, 聞こえる is a versatile and indispensable verb.
When learning the verb 聞こえる, students frequently encounter several specific pitfalls, primarily stemming from direct translation from English and a misunderstanding of Japanese verb types. The most ubiquitous mistake is the incorrect use of the object particle を (wo). Because the English translation is often 'I hear the sound,' learners naturally assume 'the sound' is the direct object and produce sentences like '音を聞こえる' (oto wo kikoeru). This is grammatically incorrect and sounds jarring to native speakers. 聞こえる is an intransitive verb; it describes a state of audibility rather than an action performed on an object. The correct particle is always が (ga), as in '音が聞こえる' (oto ga kikoeru).
Particle Errors
Using を instead of が is the most common mistake.

❌ 音楽を聞こえる。 ⭕ 音楽が 聞こえる.

Another major area of confusion is the distinction between 聞こえる (spontaneous perception) and 聞ける (volitional potential). Both can be translated as 'can hear' or 'can listen' in English, leading to frequent mix-ups. 聞こえる means the sound is physically reaching your ears right now without your effort. 聞ける means you have the ability, permission, or opportunity to listen to something, usually requiring your active participation. For example, if you want to say 'I can listen to podcasts on my phone,' you must use 聞ける: 'スマホでポッドキャストが聞ける'. If you use 聞こえる here ('スマホでポッドキャストが聞こえる'), it implies the phone is spontaneously emitting podcast audio right now and you happen to hear it.
Confusing 聞こえる and 聞ける
Failing to distinguish between spontaneous sound and the opportunity to listen.

ここでは静かな音楽が 聞ける。(Opportunity) vs 音楽が 聞こえる。(Perception)

A third common mistake involves the metaphorical usage. Learners often try to translate 'It sounds like...' literally using words for 'like' (e.g., みたい, よう), which can sometimes be correct but is often clunky. The most natural way to say 'It sounds like an excuse' is simply '言い訳に聞こえる' (iiwake ni kikoeru). Learners sometimes incorrectly use '言い訳のように聞こえる' which is understandable but less direct, or they might mistakenly use 聞く instead of 聞こえる.
Metaphorical Phrasing
Overcomplicating the 'sounds like' structure.

彼の話は嘘に 聞こえる.

遠くからかすかにサイレンが 聞こえる.

イヤホンをしていると外の音が 聞こえない.

By being mindful of the が particle, understanding the difference from 聞ける, and practicing the metaphorical に聞こえる structure, learners can easily overcome these common hurdles.
To fully grasp the nuances of 聞こえる, it is helpful to compare it with similar verbs and expressions in Japanese that relate to hearing and sound. The most closely related word is, of course, 聞く (kiku), which means 'to listen' or 'to hear' in an active, volitional sense. When you use 聞く, you are directing your attention to the sound. For example, '音楽を聞く' (ongaku wo kiku) means 'to listen to music.' In contrast, 聞こえる is passive and spontaneous; the sound comes to you. Another related form is 聞ける (kikeru), the potential form of 聞く, meaning 'to be able to listen' (due to circumstances, permission, or ability).
聞く (kiku) and 聞ける (kikeru)
Active listening vs. circumstantial ability to listen.

ラジオを 聞く。(Active) / ラジオが 聞こえる。(Spontaneous)

Another expression with a similar meaning is 耳に入る (mimi ni hairu), which literally translates to 'to enter the ear.' This idiom is used when you accidentally overhear something or when a piece of information reaches you without you actively seeking it. It is often used for rumors, news, or gossip. While 聞こえる focuses on the physical perception of sound, 耳に入る focuses on the acquisition of information. For example, '彼の噂が耳に入った' (kare no uwasa ga mimi ni haitta) means 'I happened to hear a rumor about him.'
耳に入る (mimi ni hairu)
To overhear or have information reach you.

面白い話が耳に入ったが、本当かどうかはわからない。

The verb 響く (hibiku) is also related to sound, meaning 'to echo,' 'to resound,' or 'to reverberate.' While 聞こえる simply states that a sound is audible, 響く describes the quality of the sound filling a space or having a deep resonance. Metaphorically, 響く means 'to touch one's heart' or 'to have an impact.' For example, '彼の言葉が胸に響いた' (kare no kotoba ga mune ni hibiita) means 'his words touched my heart.'
響く (hibiku)
To echo, resound, or have an emotional impact.

トンネルの中で足音が響く。

遠くのお寺の鐘の音が 聞こえる.

彼の声はよく響くので、遠くまで 聞こえる.

Understanding these subtle distinctions allows learners to choose the most precise verb for the situation, whether describing a physical sound, overheard information, or a resonant echo.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

音が聞こえます。

I can hear a sound.

Basic use of [Noun] + が + 聞こえる.

2

鳥の声が聞こえる。

I hear the voice of a bird.

Using 声 (koe) for animal sounds.

3

何も聞こえません。

I cannot hear anything.

Negative polite form: 聞こえません.

4

音楽が聞こえますか？

Can you hear the music?

Question form using か.

5

はい、聞こえます。

Yes, I can hear it.

Standard affirmative response.

6

いいえ、聞こえません。

No, I cannot hear it.

Standard negative response.

7

雨の音が聞こえる。

I hear the sound of rain.

Using の to connect nouns: 雨の音.

8

先生の声が聞こえません。

I cannot hear the teacher's voice.

Practical classroom phrase.

1

もしもし、聞こえますか？

Hello, can you hear me?

Standard telephone/online meeting greeting.

2

声がよく聞こえません。

I can't hear your voice well.

Using the adverb よく (well) with the negative.

3

隣の部屋からテレビの音が聞こえる。

I hear the sound of the TV from the next room.

Using から to indicate the source of the sound.

4

遠くでサイレンが聞こえました。

I heard a siren in the distance.

Past tense polite form: 聞こえました.

5

はっきり聞こえます。

I can hear clearly.

Using the adverb はっきり (clearly).

6

足音が聞こえた。

I heard footsteps.

Past tense plain form: 聞こえた.

7

波の音が小さく聞こえる。

The sound of the waves is faintly audible.

Using an adjective + く (小さく) as an adverb.

8

外から子供たちの声が聞こえる。

I hear children's voices from outside.

Combining location (外から) and subject (声が).

1

彼の話は言い訳に聞こえる。

His story sounds like an excuse.

Metaphorical use: [Noun] + に聞こえる.

2

そのアイデアは面白く聞こえますね。

That idea sounds interesting.

Metaphorical use with i-adjective: [Adj-ku] + 聞こえる.

3

かすかにピアノの音が聞こえる。

I can faintly hear the sound of a piano.

Using the adverb かすかに (faintly).

4

私の日本語、変に聞こえますか？

Does my Japanese sound strange?

Metaphorical use with na-adjective: [Adj-ni] + 聞こえる.

5

風の音がうるさくて、テレビが聞こえない。

The wind is so loud that I can't hear the TV.

Cause and effect using て form.

6

誰かが呼んでいるのが聞こえた。

I heard someone calling.

Nominalizing a verb phrase with の: [Verb-te iru] + のが聞こえる.

7

このイヤホンは外の音が聞こえにくい。

It's hard to hear outside sounds with these earphones.

Using the suffix にくい (hard to do): 聞こえにくい.

8

嘘っぽく聞こえるかもしれないけど、本当だよ。

It might sound like a lie, but it's true.

Using っぽく (like/ish) with 聞こえる.

1

その言い方は少し皮肉に聞こえます。

That way of speaking sounds a bit sarcastic.

Advanced metaphorical use expressing social nuance.

2

マイクの調子が悪いのか、音声が途切れて聞こえます。

Perhaps the microphone is bad, the audio sounds choppy.

Using て form to describe the state of the sound: 途切れて聞こえる.

3

彼の言葉の裏に、不満が隠れているように聞こえた。

It sounded as if dissatisfaction was hidden behind his words.

Complex structure: [Clause] + ように聞こえる (sounds as if...).

4

耳を澄ますと、遠くで虫の鳴く声が聞こえてきた。

When I listened carefully, I started to hear the sound of insects chirping in the distance.

Using てくる to indicate the onset of perception: 聞こえてくる.

5

自慢話にしか聞こえない。

It sounds like nothing but bragging.

Using にしか〜ない for strong limitation/emphasis.

6

幻聴なのか、誰かの笑い声が聞こえる気がする。

I feel like I hear someone laughing, maybe it's an auditory hallucination.

Combining 聞こえる with 気がする (have a feeling).

7

周囲の雑音に紛れて、肝心な部分が聞こえなかった。

Drowned out by the surrounding noise, I couldn't hear the crucial part.

Advanced vocabulary context (雑音に紛れて).

8

少し嫌味に聞こえたらごめんなさい。

I'm sorry if that sounded a bit sarcastic/spiteful.

Conditional form: 聞こえたら.

1

静寂の中に、自分の心臓の鼓動だけが聞こえていた。

In the silence, only the beating of my own heart was audible.

Literary style, past progressive state: 聞こえていた.

2

彼の演説は、大衆への迎合にしか聞こえなかった。

His speech sounded like nothing more than pandering to the masses.

Highly abstract/political metaphorical use.

3

聞こえるか聞こえないかほどの微かなため息をついた。

She let out a sigh so faint it was barely audible.

Poetic expression: 聞こえるか聞こえないかほどの (so faint that...).

4

亡き母の励ます声が、今でも耳の奥で聞こえるようだ。

It's as if I can still hear my late mother's encouraging voice deep in my ears.

Expressing a psychological/spiritual state: 聞こえるようだ.

5

言葉の端々に、彼なりの矜持が聞こえてくる。

From every word, his unique sense of pride can be heard (sensed).

Metaphorical use where 'pride' is 'heard'.

6

どんなに耳を塞いでも、世間の非難の声は聞こえてくるものだ。

No matter how much you cover your ears, the voices of public criticism will inevitably reach you.

Philosophical/general truth statement using ものだ.

7

その提案は、一見魅力的に聞こえるが、裏がある。

That proposal sounds attractive at first glance, but there's a catch.

Contrastive structure: [Adj] + 聞こえるが...

8

理屈っぽく聞こえるきらいがある。

It has a tendency to sound overly argumentative/theoretical.

Using the advanced grammar point きらいがある (tendency to).

1

その言説は、敗者の恨み節に聞こえなくもない。

That discourse doesn't entirely not sound like the bitter complaints of a loser.

Double negative for nuanced assertion: 聞こえなくもない.

2

古の歌人たちの息遣いが聞こえてくるかのような名筆である。

It is a masterpiece of calligraphy from which one can almost hear the breathing of ancient poets.

Highly literary and evocative phrasing.

3

彼の弁明は、保身のための詭弁にしか聞こえぬ。

His defense sounds like nothing but sophistry for self-preservation.

Using the classical negative auxiliary ぬ (聞こえぬ).

4

天下に名高く聞こゆる武将であった。

He was a warlord whose fame resounded throughout the realm.

Classical Japanese (Bungo) usage: 聞こゆる meaning 'famous/well-known'.

5

空耳に聞こえるほどの静寂が、かえって不安を煽った。

A silence so deep it caused auditory hallucinations paradoxically fueled my anxiety.

Complex psychological description.

6

行間から、著者の血を吐くような叫びが聞こえる。

From between the lines, one can hear the author's blood-curdling screams.

Extreme metaphorical usage in literary criticism.

7

いかにももっともらしく聞こえるが、論理の飛躍が甚だしい。

It sounds highly plausible, but the logical leaps are extreme.

Academic/debate register.

8

耳をそばだてずとも、時代の足音が聞こえてくる。

Even without straining one's ears, the footsteps of a new era can be heard.

Poetic metaphor for historical change.

Colocaciones comunes

音が聞こえる
声が聞こえる
よく聞こえる
はっきり聞こえる
かすかに聞こえる
言い訳に聞こえる
嘘に聞こえる
遠くから聞こえる
聞こえなくなる
聞こえにくい

Frases Comunes

もしもし、聞こえますか？

何も聞こえない

声が小さくて聞こえない

足音が聞こえる

鳥の声が聞こえる

変な音が聞こえる

皮肉に聞こえる

自慢に聞こえる

聞こえないふりをする

気のせいか聞こえる

Se confunde a menudo con

聞こえる vs 聞ける (kikeru) - Potential form of kiku. Means 'can listen' (due to ability or circumstance).

聞こえる vs 聞く (kiku) - Active verb meaning 'to listen'.

聞こえる vs 伺う (ukagau) - Humble form of to hear/ask.

Modismos y expresiones

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Fácil de confundir

聞こえる vs

聞こえる vs

聞こえる vs

聞こえる vs

聞こえる vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

note

聞こえる focuses on the receiver of the sound. It is a state, not an action. Therefore, it cannot be used in the imperative form (you cannot command someone to 'spontaneously hear' something).

Errores comunes
  • Using the object particle を (wo) instead of the subject particle が (ga). (e.g., 音を聞こえる is WRONG).
  • Confusing 聞こえる (spontaneous perception) with 聞ける (potential to listen).
  • Trying to use literal translations for 'sounds like' (e.g., 嘘みたいに聞こえる instead of the more natural 嘘に聞こえる).
  • Using 聞こえる as an active command (e.g., 聞こえてください is WRONG. Use 聞いてください).
  • Forgetting to conjugate adjectives correctly when using the metaphorical form (e.g., おかしい聞こえる is WRONG. It must be おかしく聞こえる).

Consejos

The Golden Rule of Particles

Never, ever use を (wo) with 聞こえる. Always use が (ga). Drill the phrase '音が聞こえる' into your memory.

Kikoeru vs. Kikeru

Kikoeru = Sound hits your ear naturally. Kikeru = You have the chance/ability to listen. Don't mix them up!

Zoom Survival Phrase

Memorize '聞こえますか？' (Kikoemasu ka?). It is the most important phrase for starting any online meeting or phone call.

Metaphorical Listening

Use '[Noun] + に聞こえる' to say 'sounds like'. It's a great way to express your opinion without sounding too aggressive.

Adding Detail

Pair 聞こえる with adverbs like よく (well), はっきり (clearly), or かすかに (faintly) to make your descriptions more vivid.

Listen for the 'Ga'

When watching anime or Japanese TV, pay attention to the particle before 聞こえる. You will notice it is always が or は.

Describing Scenes

When writing a story or journal entry, use 聞こえる to set the scene. Describe the ambient sounds to make your writing come alive.

Softening the Blow

If someone says something mean, saying '嫌味に聞こえます' (That sounds sarcastic) is softer than 'あなたは嫌味です' (You are sarcastic).

Pretending Not to Hear

Learn the phrase '聞こえないふりをする' (to pretend not to hear). It's very useful for describing ignoring someone.

Flat Pitch

聞こえる has a 'heiban' (flat) pitch accent. It starts low on 'ki' and stays high for 'ko-e-ru'. Practice saying it smoothly.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'kikoeru' as 'KEY-CO-AIR-U'. The sound of a KEY turning in the COld AIR comes to yoU naturally.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the verb 聞く (kiku, to listen).

Contexto cultural

Using に聞こえる is a polite way to disagree or critique without being confrontational.

Japanese people often comment on seasonal sounds using 聞こえる, such as 蝉の声 (cicadas) or 風鈴の音 (wind chimes).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"もしもし、私の声、はっきり聞こえますか？"

"外から何の音が聞こえる？"

"この曲、どこかで聞いたことがあるように聞こえない？"

"私の発音、自然に聞こえますか？"

"最近、耳が遠くなって、テレビの音が聞こえにくいんだ。"

Temas para diario

今、あなたの周りでどんな音が聞こえますか？

今までで一番心地よく聞こえた音は何ですか？

誰かの言葉が「冷たく聞こえた」経験について書いてください。

自然の中で聞こえる音で、一番好きなものは何ですか？

もし動物の声が言葉として聞こえたら、どうなると思いますか？

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

聞く (kiku) is an active, volitional verb meaning 'to listen' or 'to hear' on purpose. You use it when you are paying attention, like listening to music (音楽を聞く). 聞こえる (kikoeru) is a spontaneous verb meaning 'to be audible'. You use it when sound naturally reaches your ears without effort, like hearing thunder (雷の音が聞こえる). One is an action you do, the other is a state you experience.

聞こえる is an intransitive verb. It does not take a direct object. In Japanese grammar, spontaneous perception is treated as a state where the stimulus (the sound) is the subject of the sentence. Therefore, the sound takes the subject particle が (ga). Saying '音を聞こえる' is grammatically incorrect; you must say '音が聞こえる'.

Both can translate to 'can hear' in English, which causes confusion. 聞こえる means the sound is physically reaching your ears right now (spontaneous perception). 聞ける is the potential form of 聞く, meaning you have the ability, permission, or opportunity to listen to something. If Spotify is working, 音楽が聞ける (I can listen to music). If the music is playing out loud, 音楽が聞こえる (I can hear the music).

You use the metaphorical pattern '[Noun] + に + 聞こえる'. So, 'It sounds like a lie' is '嘘に聞こえる' (uso ni kikoeru). This is a very natural and common way to express your interpretation of what someone has said. You do not need to use words like みたい (mitai) or よう (you) in this specific structure.

The standard phrase is '聞こえますか？' (Kikoemasu ka?). If you want to be slightly more polite, you can say '私の声、聞こえますでしょうか？'. If you are the one who cannot hear, you say '聞こえません' (Kikoemasen) or '声が遠いです' (Koe ga tooi desu - your voice is distant).

Literally, no. It is strictly for auditory perception. However, metaphorically, yes. You can use it to describe how a statement, tone, or situation is interpreted by you. For example, '言い訳に聞こえる' (It sounds like an excuse) or '皮肉に聞こえる' (It sounds sarcastic). In these cases, you are 'hearing' the underlying meaning.

It means 'to pretend not to hear'. ふりをする (furi wo suru) means 'to pretend'. So, 聞こえないふりをする (kikoenai furi wo suru) is used when you hear something but act as if you didn't. For example, ignoring someone calling your name or ignoring an unpleasant comment.

You can use the suffix 〜にくい (nikui) attached to the verb stem. The stem of 聞こえる is 聞こえ. So, 'hard to hear' is 聞こえにくい (kikoenikui). You can also say '聞こえづらい' (kikoedurai), which has a similar meaning. Alternatively, you can say 'よく聞こえない' (yoku kikoenai - cannot hear well).

Yes, absolutely. It is a standard verb. In formal situations, you would use the polite form 聞こえます or 聞こえません. In highly formal Keigo (honorifics), if you are confirming you can hear a client, you might say 'はい、聞こえております' (Hai, kikoete orimasu). If you can't hear them, '恐れ入りますが、お声が聞こえづらくなっております' is appropriate.

Yes, you can use the ている (te iru) form. While 聞こえる itself already describes a state, using 聞こえている emphasizes the ongoing, continuous nature of the perception at this exact moment. It is often used to confirm current status, like '今、私の声、聞こえていますか？' (Are you hearing my voice right now?).

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